Effect:
antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, antipyretic, blood-strengthening, cleansing
Areas of application:
Inflammation, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, fever, as an antidote, eyes, liver, carbuncles, intestinal abscesses, postpartum pain, endometriosis, staphylococci, streptococci
Plant parts used:
Seeds, young shoots, leaves
Collection time:
March to September
To find:
On fields, rubble fields, roadsides, wasteland and nutrient-rich clay soils.
Ingredients:
Essential oil, vitamin C, mustard oils, bitter substances, minerals
Miscellaneous:
The Stinkweed is an annual plant that can grow between 10 and 40 cm high. All above-ground parts are yellow-green and when crushed it smells like garlic. The stem is angular and the leaves are elongated to narrow obovate, entire or toothed. The flowers are fourfold, with a double perianth and elliptical. The pods are almost circular and have wide wings all around. The pod contains 4 to 7 seeds per seed compartment.
🛑 Stinkweed should be used with caution, as excessive doses can lead to a decrease in white blood cells, nausea and dizziness.
In the kitchen, the young leaves can be used as a salad and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves should be collected before the plant flowers, otherwise it can taste very bitter. The seeds can be used as a spice, for example in bread. The plant tastes something like mustard.
The seeds are also used for lighting because of their oil content.